Driving Cost from Burlingame, California to Berkeley, California

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip Between Burlingame, California and Berkeley, California: A Guide Based on Current Gas Prices

Burlingame, a city located in San Mateo County, is a vibrant and upscale community with access to restaurants, shopping, and beaches. On the other hand, Berkeley, an urban city located across the bay of San Francisco, is renowned for its iconic university, local artists, and progressive politics. Travelling between these two cities guarantees a unique experience for tourists and residents alike. However, before embarking on a journey, it is crucial to understand the cost of a trip between these two locations based on current gas prices.

Possible Routes

Route 1: Bayshore Freeway (US 101)

One of the most popular and straightforward routes to travel between Burlingame and Berkeley is using the Bayshore Freeway also known as US 101. This route covers roughly 25 miles from Burlingame to Berkeley. The US 101 freeway is a major transportation artery serving the West Coast of the United States, from Washington State through California until the Mexican border. While US 101 cuts through the city of San Francisco, commuters can use the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge to travel to Berkeley.

Route 2: San Francisco - Oakland Bay Bridge

Another route one could take is through the San Francisco - Oakland Bay Bridge, a two-decked suspension bridge that connects San Francisco Bay to Oakland. The Bay Bridge stretches approximately 8 miles, with toll fees ranging from $4 to $7 for drivers with FastTrak and from $5 to $8 for drivers without FastTrak.

Route 3: San Mateo Bridge (SR-92)

For travelers who want to avoid the traffic on the Bay Bridge, taking the San Mateo Bridge route is a wise choice. The San Mateo Bridge or State Route 92 is a toll bridge that spans the San Francisco Bay, connecting Foster City and Hayward. The total length of the bridge is approximately 7 miles, with toll fees ranging from $6 to $7 for drivers with FastTrak and $7 to $8 for drivers without FastTrak.

Expenses Involved in Traveling

When calculating the cost of a trip, travelers must consider various expenses, including gas prices, toll fees, and parking fees. Each route has its unique expenses, and travelers need to calculate all the costs involved before selecting a route.

Gas Prices

As of September 2021, the average gasoline price in California is $4.40 per gallon. With an estimated distance of 25 miles using Route 1, the total cost of gasoline for a passenger vehicle averaging 25 miles per gallon is approximately $8.80 for a one-way trip. While Route 2 and Route 3 may seem like shorter distances, the terrain and traffic conditions may impact gasoline consumption, increasing costs for travelers.

Toll Fees

Toll fees are also a significant consideration when traveling between Burlingame and Berkeley. One can only avoid toll fees if they choose to use Route 1 or have FastTrak while using the Bay Bridge. The San Mateo Bridge and Bay Bridge both have different toll fees based on various factors such as the number of axles of the vehicle and whether or not one has a FastTrak.

Parking Fees

Parking fees are also essential to consider when planning a trip to Burlingame or Berkeley. Depending on the chosen route, parking fees can range from affordable public spots to costly private garages.

After analyzing the different routes between Burlingame and Berkeley, it is obvious that taking the Bayshore Freeway (US 101) is the most cost-effective. The route requires no toll fees, and gasoline consumption is less compared to the other options. Additionally, the Bayshore Freeway is an excellent spot for sight-seeing and taking in the views of the Silicon Valley.

Conclusion

Overall, traveling between Burlingame and Berkeley guarantees a unique experience for tourists and residents alike. Additionally, while the cost of a trip may be a significant consideration, exploring these cities is worth it. Using the Bayshore Freeway (Route 1) provides an affordable option with no toll fees. Remember that gasoline prices may fluctuate, and parking fees may vary based on time and location, so it is important to remain flexible, anticipate traffic, and factor in additional expenses when planning a trip. Regardless of the chosen route, one is guaranteed to have a memorable experience traveling between Burlingame and Berkeley.